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An attorney who had been suspended as a result of a conviction for causing a death while driving drunk was reinstated with conditions by the South Carolina Supreme Court. He had served 7 1/2 years of a prison sentence. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel had opposed reinstatement in light of the seriousness of the offense. The court concluded:

...petitioner acknowledged the seriousness of his misconduct and the fact that drug
and alcohol addiction was an underlying component. He further acknowledged his
misconduct resulted in an innocent victim losing her life. He expressed deep regret
and sorrow for the victim’s loss of her life, and at the hearing before the
Committee he stated the accident and the consequences of it to the victim and
her family are with him every day. Petitioner stated there are no words to
describe the remorse he feels, and although he wishes he could change what
occurred, he understands there is nothing he can do except learn from the past
and try to be a better person. We note in this regard that the victim’s
mother, who petitioner corresponded with while in prison, informed the local
media
that she does not oppose petitioner’s reinstatement and has
expressed to petitioner her desire that he return to the practice of law.